DNA News
Azeri, Turkiye forces take part in Marka-e-Haq celebrations

President, PM, and military chiefs attended main event at Jinnah Stadium By Saifullah Ansar / DNA ISLAMABAD: Pakistan celebrated its Independence Day with full national fervour on Wednesday, as the main ceremony marking the 78th anniversary of independence and the “Marka-e-Haq” was held at Jinnah Sports Stadium in Islamabad. President Asif Ali Zardari graced the occasion as the chief guest, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the chiefs of the three armed forces, cabinet members, parliamentarians, and national and foreign dignitaries were in attendance. The event featured a spectacular parade byRead More
At least 20 dead in shipwreck off Italy’s Lampedusa

UNHCR says there have been 675 migrant deaths on the central Mediterranean route so far this year At least 20 migrants died after a boat overturned in the Mediterranean on Wednesday, with many more still missing, the UN’s refugee agency (UNHCR) said. “Deep anguish for the umpteenth shipwreck off the coast of Lampedusa, where UNHCR is now assisting the survivors. It looks to be 20 bodies found and as many missing,” wrote the agency’s spokesman, Filippo Ungaro, on social media. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi confirmed the disaster, saying the shipwreckRead More
Pakistan showcases mangoes at Beijing’s “Golden Silk Road” fest

BEIJING, AUG 13 /DNA/ – The Pakistan Embassy, in collaboration with Ms. Hao Yuejiao of Asia-Africa Trade Promotion Office of China-Africa Economic and Trade Promotion Council,organized today a mango fest titled “Golden Silk Road Mangoes: A True Oriental Treasure” to showcase a wide variety of premium Pakistani mangoes and mango-based products. The event highlighted Pakistan’s fertile land, rich agricultural heritage and its globally renowned fruit exports. Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Khalil Hashmi described mangoes, revered as the “King of Fruits”, as an integral part of Pakistan’s culture and traditions. HeRead More
FBR gets power to access internet, call data in tax cases

ISLAMABAD, AUG 13: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has been granted sweeping new powers to access citizens’ internet usage data and phone call records during tax fraud investigations. Internet service providers, telecom companies, and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will now be legally bound to share customer information upon request. Internet and call data now within FBR’s reachAccording to the FBR, the newly amended law empowers tax commissioners to obtain subscriber and user information from any internet or telecom operator during the investigation and audit of tax fraud cases.Read More
President for boosting economic and connectivity links with Azerbaijan

ISLAMABAD, AUG 13 (DNA) — President Asif Ali Zardari has reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to strengthening its fraternal relations with Azerbaijan, grounded in mutual trust, shared values, and common aspirations. Emphasizing the strategic importance of the bilateral partnership, the President said Pakistan regards Azerbaijan as a key ally in the region and is keen to expand cooperation, particularly in trade, economy, and connectivity. President Zardari underscored that enhancing trade corridors, attracting mutual investments, and developing regional connectivity infrastructure would not only bring the two nations closer but also contribute to peace andRead More
NA passes ATA amendments allowing 3-month ‘preventive detention’ of terror suspects

ISLAMABAD, AUG 13: The National Assembly on Wednesday passed an amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), 1997, which reinserted powers granted to law enforcement authorities and the armed forces to detain “suspicious” individuals for up to three months. Section 11EEEE (preventive detention for inquiry) of the ATA was amended in 2014, providing the government and authorised armed forces and civil armed forces with the authority to conduct preventive detention of individuals suspected of involvement in terrorism-related activities. However, this amendment was subject to a sunset clause, limiting its validity toRead More